New continental challenge for a former Aviva chief

By shaun lowthorpe Business editor
Saturday, February 9, 2013
9:00 AM

Former Aviva general insurance boss David McMillan has been given a new role heading the firm’s European operation following a management shake-up by new chief exeuctive Mark Wilson, which has also seen the departure of Trevor Matthews.

Mr McMillan, who was head of the Norwich-based general insurance division until he was promoted to group transformation director last year to oversee a cost-cutting and efficiency drive, has been appointed chief executive of Aviva Europe.

That will see him become a member of the group executive accountable for its businesses in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Lithuania and Russia and he will become chairman of Aviva’s French board.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson has turned to Nick Amin from his former firm AIA to take on the transformation director’s role.

The New Zealander also unveiled three other changes to his executive team while announcing Mr Matthews, is to step down from the board in May, with Khor Hock Seng also recently appointed chief executive of Aviva Asia.

Aviva’s decision to award Mr Matthews, the former Friends Provident and Standard Life UK boss, a £45,000 bonus for one month’s work in 2011, as part of a £2m pay package, helped trigger the shareholder revolt which toppled former chief executive Andrew Moss.

However, Aviva said he would stay on in an advisory capacity for a number of months to “ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities”.

Mr Wilson said: “These changes are about ensuring we have the right people in the right jobs and that we have the best possible leadership team so Aviva can achieve its undoubted potential.

“David McMillan’s and Jason Windsor’s new roles recognise the strength of their achievements during 2012.

“Nick Amin and Khor Hock Seng are exceptional additions to the team.

“I would also like to thank Trevor Matthews for his considerable contribution to Aviva and wish him well for his future.”